1375
An embryonic developmental outpouching of the peritoneum.
It begins around the 12th week of gestation, and begins as a peritoneal outpouching.
In males, it precedes the testis in its descent down within the gubernaculum, and closes.
This closure occurs at any point from a few weeks before birth, to a few weeks after birth.
The remaining portion around the testes becomes the tunica vaginalis, and if it does not close in females, it forms the canal of Nuck.
Failure of closure of the processus vaginalis leads to the propensity for peritoneal fluid to travel down the channel leading to the formation of a hydrocele.
Similarly, accumulation of blood in a persistent processus vaginalis may manifest as a hematocele.
The persistence of processus vaginalis is more common on the right side than the left.
Failure of closure of the processus vaginalis leads to the propensity for development of an indirect inguinal hernia, and the more patent the processus vaginalis, the more likely to develop a hernia.
Congenital malformation of the processus vaginalis can lead to testicular torsion.